Minors Break Into Abandoned Burbank Theater in San Jose

Nearly 100 minors were detained by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on April 3, 2026, after they allegedly broke into the abandoned Burbank Theater in San Jose for a party involving alcohol.

Deputies responded to the theater, located near the intersection of South Bascom Avenue and Parkmoor Avenue, at approximately 9:30 p.m. On Friday. The response followed reports of trespassing and loud vehicles on Parkmoor Avenue, with callers noting that numerous individuals were entering the building with alcohol.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered an open door on the south side of the structure. According to sheriff’s office spokesperson Brooks Jarosz, individuals inside attempted to flee through alternative exit doors and the roof after deputies made announcements.

Law enforcement eventually forced all individuals out of the building and established an incident command post outside. The minors were seated on the sidewalk while awaiting pickup by their parents.

While detained, the juveniles were admonished and advised not to return to the property, according to Jarosz. No injuries were reported during the incident, and a search of the theater yielded no firearms. Jarosz did not specify if any of the minors were arrested or charged with a crime.

Burbank Theater History

The Burbank Theater first opened in 1951. During its operational history, it served as an adult movie theater before officially closing in 2000.

Reports from 2024 indicated that the site was being considered for a housing development project. These plans included the preservation of the theater’s vertical Burbank sign on the exterior of the building.